'Get vaccinated against MenB.' 100 mile challenge for LJMU student Aaron Mills

Students, staff and members of the Liverpool community took to the streets this weekend, in support of a fundraising challenge in memory of LJMU student, Aaron Mills. 

Aaron sadly died from Meningitis B earlier this year and on Sunday, Aaron’s family friend, Shaun McEntee, completed a five-day, 100-mile, fundraising challenge for Meningitis Now. Running from Aggborough, the home of Kidderminster Harriers FC in Aaron's Midlands hometown, to Anfield, Liverpool, Shaun set out to honour Aaron's memory while raising awareness of Meningitis B and the importance of vaccination. 

Love for Liverpool 

Aaron began his studies in Football Science at LJMU in September 2025 and passed away from Meningitis B during the winter break in January. His love for Liverpool FC and the city where he had started building his future made Anfield the fitting destination for the final part of the challenge. 

Over five days, Shaun and those taking part have run between universities and colleges to raise awareness of Meningitis B and the vaccine now available to all 17 to 25-year-olds entering university for the first time. The route took them from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster to the University of Wolverhampton, Harper Adams University, Reaseheath College and University Centre, Nantwich, the University of Chester and, finally, Liverpool John Moores University. 

“I knew little to nothing about meningitis before Aaron’s story, but since seeing the devastation it can cause I feel it is only right that I try and play what small part I can in trying to help prevent other families having to go through the loss and suffering that everybody who knew Aaron has endured.” 

The final stage began at Byrom Point, the LJMU student accommodation where Aaron lived during his time in the city. Joined by staff who taught Aaron, alongside course mates and friends, participants completed the final two miles together, running through Liverpool city centre to Anfield in his memory. 

On taking on the challenge, Shaun said: 

“Aaron was an incredible person. He carried himself with the kindest, most caring nature I have probably ever seen in such a young man. He had a quiet confidence about him that was so endearing. He also made more impact in his 18 years of life than most of us will make in a lifetime.” 

“I knew little to nothing about meningitis before Aaron’s story, but since seeing the devastation it can cause I feel it is only right that I try and play what small part I can in trying to help prevent other families having to go through the loss and suffering that everybody who knew Aaron has endured.” 

Liverpool John Moores University, Director of Student Life and Wellbeing, Yvonne Turnbull, said: 

"We've been working with Aaron’s family and Shaun over the past few months to support this incredible fundraising challenge and raise awareness of both the signs and symptoms of Meningitis B and the vaccine now available, helping to ensure no other family has to experience the heartbreak Aaron's family has faced." 

"Aaron's love for the city and Liverpool FC shines through whenever people talk about him, and it was both emotional and inspiring to see  the LJMU community come together to support the challenge in his memory."  

Get vaccinated against MenB 

Aaron’s family and friends have a simple message to all students; Meningitis B is preventable. Young people, ages 17 and 18 years old, and those under 25 starting university for the first time are now eligible for a free MenB vaccine.  

If you are a student or young person, check your vaccination status with your GP or book via the Meningitis Now/NHS website.  

Know the signs and symptoms of Meningitis B 

For students and young adults, key symptoms of Meningitis B to watch out for are: 

• High temperature (fever)

• Severe or worsening headache

• Stiff neck

• Vomiting

• Sensitivity to light

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking

• Very cold hands and feet

• Muscle and joint pain

• A rash that does not fade under pressure (if present) 

If someone is seriously unwell, difficult to wake, confused, or develops a non-fading rash, call 999 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Meningitis B can become life-threatening within hours. 

Donate to Meningitis Now or fundraise through the LJMU Moves + app 

If you’d like to donate to the challenge in Aaron’s memory, you can do so in two ways. Donate directly to the Meningitis Now fundraising challenge in memory of Aaron Mills.

Or for members of the LJMU community, you can download and join the Moves+ Challenge, track your steps on the Moves+ App and once you hit a goal, LJMU Move will donate to Meningitis Now on your behalf.